Chattanooga’s public bicycle system has won a state sustainability award, according to a news release.
CARTA’s Bike Chattanooga was recognized by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation and the Tennessee Department of Transportation for reducing traffic congestion and the use of fossil fuels that contribute to pollution.
“Sustainable transportation is essential for public health and the environment, and we’re encouraged by the efforts of communities and industry across the state to make it a priority in transportation planning,” TDEC Commissioner Bob Martineau said in the release. “By recognizing thought leaders in this field, we hope to inspire replication of innovative projects, activities, and initiatives across the state.”
The Sustainable Transportation Awards recognize outstanding initiatives in Tennessee to reduce transportation-related energy and emissions. The goal is to save natural resources, help people be healthier and create efficiencies in the delivery of goods and services.
The release said Bike Chattanooga’s 33-station, 300-bicycle transit system enables users to conveniently access downtown Chattanooga and is the first large-scale bike share program in a midsized city, enhancing mobility and accessibility for the community.
The system footprint makes trips possible in the central business district, the North Shore and Southside neighborhoods, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, and the Tennessee Riverpark. Web and mobile applications provide real-time information and make it easy for users to determine the availability of nearby stations, bicycles, docking points, and local points of interest.
In 2015, Bike Chattanooga members completed over 163,000 trips traveling over 500,000 miles and burning more than 20 million calories. In addition to the health and mobility benefits, the potential exists for a decrease in over 300,000 lbs. of carbon dioxide emissions, the release stated.